Deception in the Truth

by A. B. Medley

  “Judge Davis is in court all day and meetings, so he won’t be in the office. Can I take a message for you?” says Ella, Rhett’s secretary. She stares up at me, batting those full lashes.

  “Just tell him that I stopped by and need to meet with him as soon as he has time.”

  Ella jots the message down on a sticky note and smiles up at me. “Can I leave him your number as well?” Warning bells ring. I think about saying he knows where to find me, but instead tamp down my frustration and give her my card.

  I then head to the third floor of the courthouse, where Phoebe McCree works as a clerk of the court. She has access to any court cases that have come through. The case I’m interested in currently, though, is that of her ex-husband, Steve.

  I see her sitting at her desk and knock on the door. “Ms. McCree, do you have a minute?” She looks up, a little startled, and says, “Why, yes, I do. What can I do for you, Detective Brigg?”

  I take a seat across from her desk and take out my notepad and pen. “I need to ask you some questions about your ex-husband, Steve McCree. For starters, where is he now?” She looks like a deer caught in headlights.

  “I, um, where exactly is this coming from?”

  I keep my expression neutral. “I’m just looking into some past cases, and Steve’s was one of them I needed more information on.”

  She looks at me nervously. “I really don’t keep up with where he is anymore, Detective. As you said, he’s my ex-husband. Any reason I had to keep up with him diminished when our daughter turned eighteen. Which was a while ago, as you well know. You went to school with Lucy.”

  I have to give her credit, she knows how to dodge questions but still answer them all in the same breath. “I’m sure I can find him on my own. I’m going to need to ask him some questions, too. But I have a few more for you. Had Steve been drinking and driving a lot before he was arrested for DUI?”

  She replied, “No, he hadn’t. He was a good man. He rarely ever drank enough to get drunk.” I nod my head to let her know I understand.

  “What was it that led him to drink so much and get behind the wheel that particular night?” She looked stricken, and the pen in her hand trembled.

  “We had an argument earlier that day. That’s all I’ll say, because it was private.” I nod. “I understand. He also has a domestic charge. Did he hit you, Mrs. McCree?”

  She glares at me.

  “I said we had an argument. Steve’s a good man. Anyone can make a mistake.” I look right at her, calling her out with my eyes.

  “It was shortly after his probation was over that he left Greendale Valley, correct?”

  She looked about to crumble. “Yes, that’s right. Look, if he’s done something now, it has nothing to do with me. As I said, I have no reason to be in contact with him since Lucy turned eighteen. If you want to know anything else about him, you’ll have to ask him yourself.” I admire her grit, but it’s not helping me.

  “I think that’s all the questions I have for now, but I’d like to get a copy of his court case. Can you have them for me this afternoon or tomorrow morning?” I stand as I finish speaking, and she says, “Yes, I can have them ready. I’ll call you when I have them.”

  “That would be great. Thank you, Ms. McCree.” She smiles tightly as I leave and shuts the door behind me.

  Something big that went down between good ole’ Steve and Phoebe. But how is it related to Rhett Davis, and is it related at all? I’ll have to track Steve down and talk to him myself.

  As I walk out of the courthouse, my cell phone dings. It’s Jade.

  I wish you’d let me see you tonight. I know I took you by surprise last night, but I can’t resist you.

  I think back to what she means by that. She called me and said she was worried about her grandmother.

  Her grandmother lives alone, and she wanted to talk to me about some concerns she had about her neighborhood and getting her a security system. I fell right into that one.

  We’ve been friends for years. I think she may have been the girl Dean cheated with all along, just by things he would say. And although she’d like to be more than friends, I don’t. We’ve gone out a few times over the years, but I just don’t trust something about her. She always has a hidden agenda. She’s very attractive. But I’ve never crossed that line.

  Last night on her front porch, she tried to throw her arms around my neck and kiss me. I pushed her off and told her I had to go. Just a week ago, that might’ve been tempting. But now, seeing Ivie again, being close to her and finding out about the baby… There’s no way I could kiss someone else. Touch someone else.

  I text back.

  Not a good idea.

  Then I click the button on the side of my phone to lock it and get in the car.

  I need to check back in with Ivie again, maybe tonight, and see if she got anything out of Lucy at dinner. I pull my phone back out and send her a text, asking her to meet me at High Road Bar around seven. The only way we’re going to figure out what’s going on is together.

  It’s after two in the afternoon, and I stop my work for a while to check my phone. I’ve been answering emails and writing another article or two to send in to work. I’ve got to keep up so I don’t get behind while I’m working remotely. I’ve also been doing my own research into what could be going on with these ominous messages. So far, I’ve come up empty.

  Looking at my phone, I see I have a message from Sterling. My heart does a little flip, but then I remember Lucy’s words about him not being the marrying kind, and the image of him about to kiss Jade.

  Meet me at seven at the High Road Bar. Need to talk.

  Great. Me and Sterling. At a bar. On a Friday night. Although I guess that’s better than being alone with him.

  I click the thumbs-up on the text and check my watch. Time to close my computer and head into town. I need to find a dress for my father’s retirement party and maybe something for tonight. I put my laptop back in its case and grab my keys and purse and head for my Jeep. It starts easily with the flick of my wrist. I check my rearview mirror and give myself another little pep-talk. “Ivie, pull it together. You’re going to let him break your heart if you aren’t careful.” Even as I say those words to myself, I know I’ll let it happen anyway.

  I pull up at the little vintage boutique off the square. I have always gravitated to this little store, because I love all things vintage and classic. Bells tinkle as I push open the door, and the owner greets me and tells me to let her know if she can help me find anything. She happily goes back to arranging some jewelry on a display near the register.

  I look around and stop on an emerald-green dress that catches my attention. It has long sleeves made of sheer lace and the rest of the dress is silky and slimming and long. It has an intricate lace design around the waist, just under the breasts. The lace has a bit of sparkle to it but not too much. I grab it off the rack and head to the dressing room to try it on. On the way to the dressing room, I snag some silver heels that have clearly never been worn.

  A minute later, I’m admiring myself in the dressing room mirror. This is the dress. I can’t believe I found it that fast. And the shoes give me the additional height I need to avoid needing a tailor. I put my clothes back on and head to the register. Some silver and emerald earrings are on display there, and I put them on the counter with my dress and shoes.

  I tell the girl to give me a few more minutes while I check a couple of other items. I find a cute burgundy top that will be perfect for meeting with Sterling tonight. After hauling my purchases to the car, I grab a sandwich from the local deli and head back to the house to get ready. I just hope I can stay cool and collected tonight.

  I pull up at the High Road Bar and see Sterling leaning against his truck, waiting on me. He looks every bit the part of a cowboy. Which, badge or not, he is. Seeing him takes my breath away for a moment. Jeans that fit better than they have a right to, simple black long-sleeved T-shirt, cowboy boots, black baseball cap. To b
e quite honest, he’s making me weak in the knees. I feel like a teenager again as I walk toward him.

  He nods as I approach. “I hope you weren’t busy tonight. I just thought we should talk about the case.” He gives me a onceover then a slow grin spreads across his face. “I guess you remembered how to wear boots.”

  He winks at me and takes my hand to pull me toward the door. Heat flows through my body at his touch. The familiar sound of country music hits me as we walk inside, but it’s not obnoxiously loud. Loud enough to dance to, but you can still carry on a conversation without yelling.

  We settle at a table and order a couple of beers. “So how’d your dinner go with Lucy last night?” he asks as he takes a swig from his bottle.

  “I didn’t find out anything. I think that’s a dead end. She doesn’t talk to him. He hasn’t been around since he left. I think we’re way off base with that angle. It has to be someone else we either haven’t thought of or aren’t looking close enough at yet.”

  He looks at me with brows raised. “I don’t know, Ivie. Maybe you’re right. I’ll keep looking at other possible leads, but I’m still going to go talk with Steve in person.”

  “You are?” I blurt. He takes another swallow of his beer.

  “Yep. I talked to Phoebe today, and she got me the files of his court case. I’ve reached out to him. He’s living in Murfreesboro, so just a couple hours away. I plan on meeting him in the next few days.”

  “Wow that’s fast,” I say, surprised.

  “Yeah, well, we want to get this thing figured out. And maybe tie up some loose ends for some other things too.” He stares into my eyes so deep I think he can read my mind.

  “When you go talk to him, I’d like to tag along, if I could.”

  At some point I realized the music I’d heard was coming from a live band. They’d been playing lots of older country songs, all mostly upbeat. During this awkward pause, a slow love song comes on.

  Sterling smiles at me and says, “Would you like to dance?” I never could resist his smile, so I nod and take his offered hand. Once out on the floor, he pulls me close, and we start to sway to the music. I feel myself relax in his arms. I can’t remember the last time I felt this way.

  Halfway through the song, he stops and looks me in the eyes. I look up at him and meet his gaze, which flick from my eyes to my lips and back for just a moment before he lowers his lips to mine and kisses me. Gently at first, almost afraid. Then he kisses me more passionately, and it feels like the most natural thing in the world as he holds me, claiming my mouth right here in front of God and a good number of the town’s citizens. I’m more than willing to be here in his arms, in this moment with him.

  The song comes to an end, and he kisses my forehead. I would almost believe he loves me as much as I love him, but then I remember the picture of him and Jade and stiffen before I step away.

  “What’s wrong?” he asks, brows furrowed.

  “I, uh—” I flounder, my head addled and my heart hurting. “I should probably get going. It’s getting late, and I’m getting up early in the morning to help my mom wrap up some stuff for Dad’s party.” He grabs my hand as I start to walk toward our table to leave some cash on it for the waitress.

  “Is that all it is, Ivie?” I smile at him, more collected now. “Yeah, promise.” He lets my hand go with a sigh.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow and check in.” I grab my jacket and head for the door when the hair almost stands up on the back of my neck. Someone’s watching me. My eyes quickly search the bar, but I don’t see anyone.

  I slip out the door and walk to my Jeep as fast as I can without actually jogging. Before I reach the Jeep, I hear a familiar voice.

  “Hey, V.” I whip around and see Dean. He’s wearing a red button up and jeans. I haven’t seen him in years, not since I told him I was leaving.

  I slap my hand over my heart. “You scared me, Dean!” He holds his arms out, offering me a hug with a big grin, and I can’t help but smile back as I walk into his embrace. Just as I do, I see Sterling head out of the bar with Lynn right on his heels.

  His eyes land on me in Dean’s arms, and his features twist in jealousy. I feel a flicker of jealousy, too, seeing Lynn chasing after him, again thinking about what Lucy said.

  I pull back from Dean but stay close as Sterling comes over to where we are, Lynn still trailing. Dean turns to Sterling.

  “Hey, man. How have you been?” He grabs Sterling by the hand, and they slap each other on the back in a man hug.

  “I’m good. Just buried in a case.”

  He snickers. “Yeah, it looks like it.” He glances at Lynn in amusement. She has the nerve to smile and feign innocence. Sterling shoots her an aggravated glare.

  “She just happened to see me on my way out.” He looks from me to Dean again. “We should catch up. How long you in town for?”

  Dean nods. “Yeah, I’ll holler at you. I just came in to spend the next week with my folks since it’s Thanksgiving. After that, I’ll have to get back home and back to work.”

  Sterling shakes his hand and says, “Alright, man. I’ll see you one day this week then.” He starts toward his truck before he looks back at Lynn over his shoulder. “Have a good night.” Then to me he says, “Ivie.” He pulls himself up in the driver’s seat, fires up the diesel, and rolls out of the lot.

  Lynn looks at me. “When did you get back home?” She almost sneers the words but tries to fake a smile. Maybe she was who I thought was staring at me. If she was already in the bar, she had to have seen me and Sterling dancing and then us kissing.

  “I’ve been back for a few days. I have some family business to take care of, and I’m staying for a holidays.” I smile tightly.

  Dean wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Maybe we could get together while I’m here and catch up.”

  I smile over at him. “Yeah, we could do that. But I’ve got to get home. It was good seeing you again.” I nod at Lynn and head the rest of the way to my Jeep.

  I get in and crank up the heat after locking my doors. But this chill isn’t just in the air. It’s in my bones. As if something, or someone malicious was nearby. I can’t believe I ran into Dean tonight. That was a little awkward, and Sterling’s reaction was intense. He didn’t like seeing me in Dean’s arms.

  And Lynn. What the heck? She looked desperate. As I carefully pull out of the gravel parking lot, I see Dean and Lynn both heading back inside the bar, together. I head toward my house and hope I’m overreacting, just jumping at shadows due to the circumstances.

  And what about that kiss?

  My phone is ringing as I walk in the front door. “Detective Brigg,” I say into the phone.

  A man on the other end says, “I got the message you wanted to talk. What time can you be here tomorrow?” I glance down at my watch. “I can meet you about ten in the morning if that works for you. I can just swing by your house.”

  There’s a pause on the other end of the phone. “Yeah, that’ll work, see you then.” I hang up and grab an overnight bag. No use in waiting until morning. I’ll head that way and stay at a hotel overnight. I throw a few things in my bag and head back to my truck to throw my bag in and then head to the barn to tell Tate I’ll be back tomorrow night.

  Tate’s younger than me by a couple years, but he’s been working as my foreman and partner since I officially took over the ranch. He’s damn good for the ranch. He’s single and says he doesn’t have time for anything but the ranch. I’ve seen the way women try to throw themselves at him, though. He’s tall and muscular, with tanned skin and blonde hair that always seems to need cutting. He could probably have just about anyone he wanted. If not for him, I wouldn’t be able to keep this place running.

  As I finish locking up the house, I remember Ivie saying she wanted to tag along. I pull my phone back out and dial her number. She answers on the third ring. “Hello?” I immediately tell her about meeting Steve in the morning and that I’m heading out tonight so I can be there early
. “Do you still want to come along?” I ask her. I can hear her zipping or unzipping something.

  “Yeah, I do. Just give me a few minutes to throw some things in a bag, and I’ll head over to your place.”

  “Sounds good, see you soon.”

  I feel a little rush of anticipation knowing I’ll be with her overnight again. Turn it off, Brigg. This is just business. Whatever feelings you have for Ivie can’t be acted upon. At least not right now, when we both need to stay clear-headed.

  About ten minutes after I hang up with Ivie, I see car lights bouncing up and down the gravel road that leads to the main house. Guess she’s in a hurry to get this done. As the vehicle gets closer, I realize it’s not Ivie. It’s Jade. What in the world does she want now?

  I’m already on the porch when she comes to a stop near my truck. She gets out and smiles her best seductive smile in my direction. She walks toward me as I lean against the porch post. “You look like you were waiting on me, cowboy.” She reaches me and puts her hands flat on my chest.

  “What can I do for you, Jade? It’s late and I’m about to leave.”

  She looks at her watch. “I know it’s the weekend, but isn’t it a little late to be going out now?” She smiles at me and puts her arms around my waist and tilts her chin up to look at me.

  “I’m leaving on business, Jade. I’m in the middle of an investigation.” I push her arms back to her sides and take a big step back.

  “You’re no fun, Detective. Why don’t you investigate me instead?” She rushes me again, and this time she catches me by surprise and kisses me before I know what she’s doing. I hear a car door slam in the distance.

  I push her off me. “What the hell are you doing, Jade?” She looks stung.

  “I know you want me, Brigg. And I want you too. I just thought you were taking too long to make the first move, so I decided to make it easy for you.” She smiles at me naughtily.

  I suddenly see Ivie at her car door watching this exchange. Shit. Jade finally catches on that someone else has my attention. She sees Ivie and her smile falters.